Abstract

This paper descriptionbes a finite difference scheme for the solution of the equations of motion in partial differential form for the St. Lucia Estuary. The boundary conditions are tidal flow at the mouth and wind-set at the lake at the upstream end. Thus the basic input is tidal and wind data, as well as the physical hydrography of the estuary. It is shown that the unsteady water levels can be predicted to an accuracy better than 0.1 ft throughout the eight-mile estuary. The method was used to indicate the success of dredging operations, and can be used to predict the effect of any channel-widening or deepening before such operations are introduced. The method can also be built into a comprehensive numerical model for the entire St. Lucia Lake system.